QuickenBrain

Some vs. any

Nouns and articlesRule 7 of 10

The rule

Use "some" in positive sentences and "any" in negatives: "I have some questions", "I don't have any questions". Words like "never" and "without" count as negative, so they take "any" too. Most questions also take "any" ("Do you have any questions?"), but offers and requests use "some": "Would you like some coffee?"

Wrong and right

  1. Wrong I don't have some cash with me.

    Right I don't have any cash with me.

  2. Wrong There aren't some seats left in the front.

    Right There aren't any seats left in the front.

  3. Wrong I have any questions about the contract.

    Right I have some questions about the contract.

  4. Wrong She never gives me some feedback.

    Right She never gives me any feedback.

  5. Wrong He left without some explanation.

    Right He left without any explanation.